A neurodevelopmental disorder affecting three areas: abnormal socialization, communication, and restricted interests with repetitive patterns of behavior. It is usually detected in the first two years of life. Cause is unknown but strong evidence points to an interplay between genetic and environmental factors.
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2

Confusion understood:
Over the past 3 decades the vaccine haters have claimed they cause crib death, cerebral palsy & now autism. Research suggesting autism with vaccines was found to be fraud & the doctors lost their licenses. We know the present protocol for vaccine use is safe & effective & doesn't cause autism. Alternate schedules have no benefit to baby & increase the pain days of infancy. Discuss with ur dr.
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3

No iron clad answer:
But there is enough from studies to believe that it derives from a problem in the genes. The severity may depend on the variability of the genes being expressed and to a degree other environmental factors. Knowledge of autism is incomplete at this time so be selective about the quality of information you get. It is best to discuss any questions with your PCP who has access to evidence based info.
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4

Autism:
The autistic spectrum has many different presentations. Talk to your pediatrician, medications can help, in some cases, especially for the anxiety and meltdowns. There are also classes on how to work with these children. The school system will help, also. Special Ed teachers are specially trained. Try to keep to a schedule, change is very difficult. Get yourself some support, too.
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8

Varies - Support Key:
Severly autistic children can introduce high levels of stress into a home. It is extremely important that parents or other responsible adults seek out avenues of support and help in the community. Stress tends to increase in situations of isolation, so get whatever support you can to help in the situation.
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10

Is he growing?:
Kids with autism, frequently have trouble accepting different textures and flavors. As long as his rate of growth is normal, and he eats a variety of foods, stick with what he likes and little by little you can try adding new foods.
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13

Pre-school aged:
Children with autistic spectrum disorder who have have good pattern recognition & rote memory for learning shapes, colors, numbers & letters & talk about their narrow, repetitive areas of interest like " little professors" may go undiagnosed until social demands unmask non-compliance for following directions for non-preferred activities & lack of interactive, reciprocal pretend play with peers.
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14

Decrease risks:
Maybe the question should be how can we minimize our chances.We can not ignore environmental factors and the ammount of chemicals in our life. How is your diet? Do you find yourselves eating fast food frequently? How much toxins are you exposed to? It is probablyi mportant to "detoxiify" our bodies prior to conception, some studies strongly suggest this link, and to some medication types.
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15

No clear answer:
We still do not know the myriad causes of autism, so beware anyone who tells you how to ensure you don't have a child with autism. Most of the known factors that increase your risk--genetics, in utero viral exposure, complicated delivery--are outside your control. Best advice: get good prenatal care and recognized your odds still excellent that your child will not have autism.
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16

Probably none.:
Most chidren, autistic or not, eat an adequate diet and do not require vitamns past the infancy period. If an autistic child does not eat a variety of foods, or eats alot of non-food items, then he might benefit from a multivitamin. Vitamins are not an appropriate treatment for autism.
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17

No, not true:
A child who is growing fine, developing skills on time, interacting with other people, emotionally nice to be with, and smiles happily is likely normal. Such a child may point or not point, but it shouldn't matter, as the rest of his life looks normal. However, if a child has several odd traits or behaviors, and one of those behaviors is "not pointing", then he might (not must) be autistic.
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18

Not intentionally:
Often children with autism spectrum do not understand social interaction. What may seem normal to them may seem aggressive to another. Often they do not understand their own strength. Often they explode with frustration rather than talk something out. These issues need to be part of behavioral therapy.
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21

NO:
We are just learning about risk factors associated with autism spectrum disorders. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with many different factors. Important to discuss with a genetic counselor if there is any family history. Learn more about autism by reading a wonderful book, the thinking person's guide to autism.
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22

As soon as you can:
As soon as a child can be observed socializing with other kids (meaning, when first given the chance) some of the signs will be present. It depends on the awarenes, level of expectancy, and specific expertise/skills of the observer to find them. Usually kids with the condition will stay behind after the progress or their peers in these aspects.
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23

Many are aggressive:
But not all. Here is an excellent resource on the issue. I live with my grandson who is 6 years old and has autism. He seems to get aggressive if he does not understand why he is being told " no." www. Autism. Com/index. Php/treating_tips video presentation: addressing challenging behaviors: strategies for tantrumming, aggression, self-injury, and food refusal- presented by melissa olive, phd, bcba-d.
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24

Depends:
In 2010 data, the average cost for a middle class family to raise a child from birth to 18 years was $222, 360 (22 % higher than 1960's). This does not include college costs. Depending on the level of functioning, independence-adjustments need to be factored in. Where you live; are you a single parent; what's your income; public vs private school...All will have to be considered.
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26

See below:
Some signs maybe observable in infancy. An infant that does not enjoy being held or enjoy being comforted, maybe displaying early signs. However, those things can be normal. Most children will show more recognizable signs between 15 to 24 months of age.
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27

Very early:
Many autistic children do not interact normally with caretakers starting shortly after birth. This, however, varies greatly because the condition call autism actually involves a wide range of disorders.
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28

Depends:
It depends on what you mean by violent. If by violent you mean life or limb threatening then you will need to use medication (oral or injectable) to terminate the event. You can also use similar meds to prevent the fits. Teaching self soothing skills and hypnosis can be of value to prevent the fits of rage as well.
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30

In infancy?:
Core symptoms of autism look different at different ages, but always include delays in social communication. A 4-month-should goo and coo " in sync" with mom, a 6-month-old should raise his arms to be picked up, a 9-month old should respond to his name. The diagnosis includes much more, but these are things parents can notice early. Firstsigns. Org has good checklists for parents. Check it out!
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